There is a capacity field of 14 runners plus 3 emergencies for the Kevin Sharkie Mystic Journey Stakes with no fillies this year. There are six 4YOs, five 5YOs, two 6YOs and four 7YOs. Five runners had their last start in a F&M Open Set Weights With Penalties over 1100m at Hobart on 21st January (won by Alvarinho) and two in an Open Weight For Age over 1200m at Launceston on 26th January (won by Bello Beau), while the others came via different races. Trainer Adam Trinder has 3 runners and Imogen Miller has 2.

The early favourite is Yellow Sam who was a winner over 1400m at Geelong last start and has 4 wins and 6 places from her 10 starts. Second favourite is another Victorian filly Give Giggles who was a 3.5 length winner over 1100m at Ballarat last start and has 4 wins and a place from 6 starts. Third favourite is Jaguar Stone who has placed at all 3 starts this preparation. Alvarinho has won her last 2 starts, both at this track, but has drawn the extreme outside here. All other runners are currently $11 or longer, including last year’s winner Belsielle.

1. Megamea (12)

Ran 3rd over 1200m at Geelong last start after being held up near the 500m. She has 4 wins over this distance and should go well.

2. Belsielle (6)

Won this race last year at her only run at this track.Was runner-up over 1200m at Moonee Valley last start and can figure in the finish again.

3. Jaja Chaboogie (14)

Won at Devonport on 10th January then was 0.8 length 4th over 1200m at Launceston last start. Has only won once from 11 tries at Hobart and has drawn very wide. Looking elsewhere.

4. It’s Kind Of Magic (3)

Finished less than 2 lengths from the winner over 1100m at Flemington last start. Likely to race on the speed. Place chance.

5. Jaguar Stone (9)

One of 3 runners for Adam Trinder (the others are Vivilici and Cabaca). Ran 2nd behind Alvarinho when favourite last start over 1100m at Hobart after starting awkwardly. One of the main chances.

6. Sirene Stryker (7)

Placed 3rd in this race last year. Resumes from a 16 week spell and Daniel Ganderton has had success on her previously. Don’t dismiss.

7. Yellow Sam (10)

Was a winner over 1400m at Geelong last start and has 4 wins and 6 places from her 10 starts. She’s never missed the trifecta and I think she can keep that record going. Strong chance.

8. Geegee Lucky Jess (8)

Last-start winner at this track and distance on a soft track on 5th January. Codi Jordan takes the reins again. Rough place chance.

9. Vivilici (5)

Resumed for 2.3 lengths 8th at Launceston on 26th January. Can improve on that, but prefer others.

10. Just A Needs (16)

One of 2 runners for Imogen Miller (the other is Alvarinho). Miller has been unlucky at the barrier draw with the 2 outside barriers for her runners. Prefer others.

11. Emily (4)

Has shown ability but finished 3 lengths 5th over 1100m at Hobart on 21st January. Could surprise.

12. Alvarinho (17)

Has won her last 2 starts, both at this track, but has drawn the extreme outside here. Loves this track and should make her presence felt despite the draw.

13. Cabaca (13)

Finished 2.2 lengths behind Alvarinho last start. Looking to others.

14. Give Giggles (11)

Was a 3.5 length winner over 1100m at Ballarat last start and has 4 wins and a place from 6 starts. Expect her to be in the finish.

15e. Extreme Gem (1)

Drawn the inside barrier. Has good soft track form. Not the worst.

16e. Verbano (2)

Finished 3.3 lengths 6th behind Alvarinho when resuming after 11 weeks. Could place.

17e. In Her Stride (15)

Resumes after 22 weeks. Unlikely.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips
14 Give Giggles
5 Jaguar Stone
7 Yellow Sam
2 Belsielle

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Yellow Sam
2nd	12 Alvarinho	0.5 length
3rd	1 Megamea	0.9 length
4th	6 Sirene Stryker	1.3 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 10. Just A Needs, 16e. Verbano, 17e. In Her Stride.